Children with autism spectrum disorder are not being diagnosed as early as they could be. According to a 2010 study by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), a group of programs which are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is more important now than ever for the public to understand this complex disorder and how we can help those affected by it.

People with ASD may have difficulty in the areas of social skills, communication, self-care, sensory integration, fine/gross motor skills, and behavior. These difficulties can range from mild to severe A person on the spectrum might be non-verbal and unresponsive to their name or speak eloquently and possess an extensive vocabulary. Knowing the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the first step.

Some of the most noticeable symptoms of ASD, according to the CDC are:

not pointing at objects to show interest

not looking at objects when another person points at them

appearing to be unaware when other people talk to them

not liking to be held or cuddled

repeating or echo words/ phrases said to them in place of normal language

being very interested in people, but not know how to talk or play with them

losing skills they once had (e.g., stop saying words they were using)

not playing “pretend” games

having trouble relating to others

avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone

having trouble understanding other people’s feelings

having trouble expressing their needs using typical words

repeating actions over and over again

having trouble adapting when a routine changes

having unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound

After identification of symptoms or a diagnosis, intervention is KEY.

There are many falsely advertised “cures” to Autism and it is vital to discuss any and all treatment options with your family doctor. Currently, there is NO cure for Autism. Typically, people diagnosed with ASD enroll in speech-language therapy and occupational therapy. These therapies address issues from social skills (interacting with others), receptive language skills (understanding others), expressive language skills ( communicating wants and needs, verbally or non-verbally using a communication device), self-care needs (grooming, brushing teeth, feeding skills), sensory processing skills (responding to sensory experiences such as through touch, taste, sound, and movement), , and behavior. If you have concerns about Autism it is important to share those concerns with your family doctor, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or neurologist.Written by Amy Grant, M.S., CCC-SLP and Latrice Sorrells, M.A., CCC-SLP

Therapy Center of Buda

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY

I am so happy with the care my daughter gets here. Everyone is helpful and patient. Amy took extra time with me and my wife to explain exactly what was happening with my daughter and explain how therapy was going to help. I love that she involves us in the sessions and we have seen major improvements. I would recommend this clinic to anyone!

-Paul S.

I can't say enough about how much my son has progressed and continues to progress in their care. The love and compassion, professional atmosphere, and top notch therapists make this place the best in central Texas. We are forever grateful to Amy Grant, Miss Angeli, Suzie and Brandi.